Istanbul Turkish Shopping Experience
Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul Turkish Shopping Experience

Outty Ranking 54 4.3 · 9 traveler reviews4 hoursFrom $99
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Outty Ranking

54/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.3/5

Based on 9 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Istanbul Turkish Shopping Experience worth booking?

Istanbul Turkish Shopping Experience is a 4-hour experience in Istanbul, Turkey, from $99 per person. It scores 54 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.3/5 rating across 9 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
54 / 100
Rating
4.3/5 (9)
Duration
4 hours
From
$99 per person

Experience the traditional side of Turkish shopping and learn how to haggle in Istanbul’s famous covered markets. On this 4-hour tour, visit the Grand Bazaar, the Spice Bazaar, and various local shops and explore the rich tapestry of goods for which Turkish is well-known. Travel by climate-controlled minivan accompanied by a local guide.

What you get

    About this experience

    Experience the traditional side of Turkish shopping and learn how to haggle in Istanbul’s famous covered markets. On this 4-hour tour, visit the Grand Bazaar, the Spice Bazaar, and various local shops and explore the rich tapestry of goods for which Turkish is well-known. Travel by climate-controlled minivan accompanied by a local guide.

    What's included

    Included

    • Professional guide
    • Afternoon tea
    • All taxes, fees and handling charges
    • Surcharges on fuel
    • Transport by air-conditioned minivan
    • Hotel/port pickup and drop-off

    Not included

    • Lunch
    • Gratuities

    What you'll see and do

    1. Grand Bazaar

      In addition to its historical importance, it's a bazaar that will tempt even the nonshoppers with its rich collection of precious handmade carpets, jewellery, leather and souvenirs.

      90 minutes here

    2. Misir Carsisi

      Mystical smells of different aromas of various spices. Shops selling fruits, vegetables, flowers, fish etc..

      60 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Istanbul

    In front of the German Fountain monument in Sultanahmet

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.

    Ends at

    In front of the German Fountain monument in Sultanahmet

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    ja, en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    City of Sultans

    Know before you go

    • Specialized infant seats are available
    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Children must be accompanied by an adult
    • Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults

    Photos

    Grand Bazaar, Istanbul Turkish Shopping ExperienceGrandBazaar, Istanbul Turkish Shopping ExperienceSpiceMarket, Istanbul Turkish Shopping ExperienceHappyCustomer, Istanbul Turkish Shopping ExperienceCarpetShop, Istanbul Turkish Shopping ExperienceCarpetShop, Istanbul Turkish Shopping Experience

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 9 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    7 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Small groups

    3 mentions

    The group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.

    Value for money

    2 mentions

    Travelers feel they got more than they paid for.

    Traveler reviews

    9 verified traveler reviews for Istanbul Turkish Shopping Experience. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    6
    4 star
    1
    3 star
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    1 star
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    Sort
    JamesW12 · May 2022

    Ok for a history tour, not so much a shopping experience.

    Great tour guide, very knowledgeable. Very little shopping was done though. Spent a lot of time giving us the history of the area with some walking through the grand bazaar and spice market to get to the carpet shop where the expensive items to try and sell us where located.

    Response from the operator: Thank you for tour feedback. It is very good to hear that our Professional Tour Guide provided you a historical tour service as well as the shopping opportunies. We all hope to see you in Turkey with a longer trip..

    via Tripadvisor

    CarlosContrerasmoren · September 2019

    Unmissable

    Excellent option to visit Istanbul , we start at the Species market... a journey through time, smell of all kinds of species, very friendly people. (Suggestion to make the reservation in time as guides in Spanish are scarce. ) then the large bazaar where you find everything and for all budgets. Crafts and more modern things. It should be noted that throughout the tour there are multiple options for eating and drinking, plus while shopping you are offered Turkish tea or coffee

    Response from the operator: Thank you very much for choosing our services. It was our great pleasure to serve you. We are all looking forward to see you again in Turkey..

    via Tripadvisor (translated)

    Josegm2004 · August 2019

    Excellent experience

    It was a private tour with our Spanish speaking guide Julie shopping tour, Grand Bazaar, carpets, leather factory, etc etc etc, unforgettable and comforting experience I recommend it 100%

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for choosing our services. It was out great pleasure to serve you. We are all looking forward to see you again in Turkey.

    via Tripadvisor (translated)

    mirswyms · March 2019

    How beautiful.

    They as good sellers clearly stop you as soon as you throw the eye .. but the workmanship and beauty of their items and 'indisputable. I would have bought everything!

    via Tripadvisor (translated)

    Travelholic72 · November 2018

    A Highlight of our Holiday

    We booked a four hour accompanied private shopping trip with City of Sultans and it was wonderful. It was one of the highlights of our holiday and was reasonably priced. Our guide Burish was very helpful and nothing was too much trouble. We were picked up by taxi at our hotel and firstly went to the Spice Market. Our guide helped with price conversion and negotiated with shop owners if needed. We then went on to the Grand Bazaar, the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome and the cisterns. The trip included far more than we had expected and we were taken by taxi to all the places of interest and then picked up nearby. We really enjoyed this tour and we would definitely recommend this excellent firm.

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    4 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Hotel pickup
    Available for selected locations
    Booked in 30 days
    3
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by City of Sultans, who run 20 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 58.0.

    See everything City of Sultans runs

    Why this scores 54

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)69
    Review evidence (18% weight)35
    Booking momentum (14% weight)25
    Value for money (12% weight)52
    Listing quality (10% weight)65
    Local standing (8% weight)35
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Istanbul Turkish Shopping Experience: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Istanbul.

    How much does Istanbul Turkish Shopping Experience cost?

    +

    Prices start at $99 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Istanbul usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Istanbul Turkish Shopping Experience take?

    +

    Plan for about 4 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Istanbul is not rushed.

    Is Istanbul Turkish Shopping Experience worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 54 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.3/5 across 9 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Istanbul, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Istanbul Turkish Shopping Experience?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Istanbul Turkish Shopping Experience suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Istanbul Turkish Shopping Experience?

    +

    Around 3 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Istanbul can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Istanbul and add a light layer if any part of the 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Istanbul Turkish Shopping Experience start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Istanbul within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Istanbul?

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    On Outty we rank every Istanbul experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Princes Islands Blue Journey from Old City Istanbul, Famous Istanbul Pub Crawl #1 Nightlife Experience, Best of Istanbul 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Istanbul?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Istanbul?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Istanbul Turkish Shopping Experience?

    +

    Included: Professional guide; Afternoon tea; All taxes, fees and handling charges; Surcharges on fuel; and Transport by air-conditioned minivan. Not included: Lunch; and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Istanbul Turkish Shopping Experience include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 2 listed pickup locations in and around Istanbul. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time.

    What languages is Istanbul Turkish Shopping Experience offered in?

    +

    It is offered in Japanese and English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Istanbul Turkish Shopping Experience?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Istanbul Turkish Shopping Experience wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Specialized infant seats are available; and Wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Istanbul Turkish Shopping Experience if the weather is bad?

    +

    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Istanbul. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    What do travelers say about Istanbul Turkish Shopping Experience?

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    Across 9 reviews averaging 4.3 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, small groups, value for money. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

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